Metal strap construction



June 17, 1941. E. PRESTINARI mm. 2,245,221

METAL STRAP CONSTRUCTION 1 Filed July 3, 1940 i 1 I v Q E. /0 =1 =1 7 @5151, 6 25 2611 '28 2 25c 'INVE TORS Z2 Eugen restinari *w'fifimmmnmmnnQ%m/ 6 42% v/ M vZ0 r 'ATTORNEYZ dicated in the following claims.

Patented June 17, 1941 2,246,221 METAL sraar CONSTRUCTION EugenPrestlnari, Summit, and Emil Haeflner, Newark, N. J., assignors to Game:Company, Newark, N. J a corporation of New Jersey Application July 3,1940, Serial No. 343,732

6 Claims.

This invention relates to bracelet band construction.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a bracelet bandconstruction which is simple, practical, and thoroughly durable. Anotherobject is to provide a construction of the above character which may bemanufactured from inexpensive materials without undue labor costs. Afurther object is to provide a construction of the above character inwhich the material is so disposed as to attain a high degree of strengthwithout heavy construction. Another object is to provide a constructionof the above character having a maximum of resistance to longitudinalstrains, while, at the same time, being light, graceful, and pleasing inappearance, Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointedout hereinafter.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction,combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, as will beexemplified in the structure to be hereinafter described, and the scopeof the application of which will be in- In the accompanying drawing, inwhich are shown several of the various possible embodiments of myinvention:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of the core of one embodiment ofmy bracelet band during manufacture;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 1 of the core ofanother embodiment of Figure '7 is a sectional view taken along the lineI-I of Figure 6.

As conducive to a clearer understanding of certain features of thisinvention, it might here be pointed out that the need for a metalbracepast constructions, if this type of band. is made flexible enoughto be comfortable when worn on let band, having the characteristics ofleather or the like in so far as possible, has always been appreciated.However, attempts. to design a bracelet band of this character have beendisappointing because of an apparent inability to achieve the desiredcharacteristics without sacriflcing durability and quality. For example,in

the wrist, such flexibility is an indication of an inherent weakness instructure with resultant deterioration from use by wear, erosion, andother factors, Where the bracelet band is made strong enough to stand upin use, the stiffness thereof makes it uncomfortable for wear.Furthermore, bracelet bands of this type have presented many problems ofmanufacture, necessitating the use of expensive materials with highlabor cost. Another object of this invention is to provide aconstruction for overcomingthe above-mentioned difficulties as well asmany others. 1

Referring now to the drawing and to Figure 5 in particular, the braceletband includes a core, generally indicated at In, covered by a wirewrapping l2, Core l0 comprises a series of metal elements which extendtransversely of the band and are interlocked together along theirlongitudinal edges. After the core is formed, the wire wrapping I2 iswrapped transversely therearound.

Thi makes a band having a maximum of flexibility longitudinally of itslength and results in the elimination of the difficulties referred tohereinabove.

In the construction of the type of core shown in Figure 3, a series ofelements are first secured together in the manner shown in Figure 1.Each of the elements consists of a top portion and a pair of inwardlycurving side walls, which form a pair of channels with the top portionextending longitudinally of the element, Thus, for example, element I3includes top portion Ba and side walls l4 and I5 which form channels [3band Be,

In assembly, there are two series of elements,

the top portions of each series facing outwardly from the core andextending transversely thereof while their side walls extend inwardlywhere they interlock to form the center of the core. As best seen inFigure 1, each element serves as a link between two elements on theopposite side of the core, the side walls of the first-mentioned elementinterlocking with the juxtaposed side walls of the two-last-mentionedelements. Thus, for

example, channels l3c'and lfib on elements l3 flatten the channel-shapedside walls of the elements so that the interlocking tongue portion ofeach channel is held between the tongue porflat external surfaces with aminimum of interstices therein. Furthermore, all of the elements aresecurely interlocked but are so connected that a maximum of flexibilityis permitted lengthwise of the core.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 4 in which another embodiment of myinvention is shown, the core comprises a series of tubular-shapedelements extending transversely thereof and having a cross sectionhaving the general shape of a flgure 8. One side of each element, or thebottom of the figure 8, is open and the other end. the top or headportion of the figure 8, is

preferably smaller than the lower portion and adapted to flt therein.Thus, each element consists of a head portion, a neck portion, and apair of legs. For example, the element generally indicated at 25comprises a head 25a, a neck portion 25b, and a pair of legs 25c and25d.

In assembly, the head portion of each element lies between the legs ofthe lower portion of one of its adjoining elements and its legs enclosethe head portion of the other. As the distance between the ends of thelegs is substantially the same as the width of the neck portion of theelements, all of the elements are transversely interlocked to theiradjoining elements. Thus, for example, the head 25:: of element 25 liesbetween the legs 25c and 25d of, element 25 which curve inwardly to gripthe neck portion 26b of element 26. Likewise, the legs of element 26interlock with the head portion 28a of element 28 to secure theseelements together.

After the tubular elements are secured together in this manner, they arepassed between pressure rollers. These flatten the sides of the lowerportions of the elements which presses them into contact with andflattens the head portions lying therein. The ends of the legs arepressed downwardly into the neck portion of the element they contact,securely interlocking the elements together (Figure 4). core also thereare a minimum of interstices left between the members comprising thecore which is a material aid in overcoming the difliculties pointed outhereinabove.

After the cores shown in Figures 1 and 2 have been flattened to presstheir elements into secure interlocking relationship, a, wire wrappingI2 is applied thereto. This wrapping is preferably made of a metal wireof rectangular cross section 20 (Figures 5 and 7) but usually very thin.It is here shown much thicker for illustrative. purposes. This wire iswrapped tightly around the core transversely thereof, preferably witheach turn abutting against theexposed edge of the preceding turn. Thisprovides a practical and eflicientwrapping which forms two continuousflat surfaces for the band.

To set the wrappingflrmly in position and to press the wrapping intoclose contact with the core, the band is next passed between pressurerollers, which, in addition to applying pressure In this form of to thetop and bottom of the band, bevels its edges 2| and 22 (Figures 611ml'1). The bevellng of the edges not only enhances the appearance of theband but also interlocks the turns of the wrapping with the edges of thecore.

By reference to Figures 3 and 4, it can be seen that it is necessary forcertain portions of each element to move outwardly from the top orbottom surfaces of the core in order to break its connection to theelement to which it is attached. Thus, for example, to disconnectelements II and I! (Figure 3), the top portions 13a and Ho ,must bemoved outwardly away from each other before they can be movedlongitudinally of the band to break the interlocking connection.Likewise, referring to Figure 4, legs 25c and 15d must be movedoutwardly away from each other to release their grip on the head andneck portions of element 26. Accordingly, when the wrapping I2 isapplied to the band, it holds the elements in interlocked relationship,for they cannot become disconnected without movement of certain portionsthereof transversely of the band, and this is prevented by the wrapping.

Thus, a bracelet has been disclosed which is of simple yet sturdyconstruction. A maximum of flexibility is provided longitudinally of theband by having the elements, interlocked transversely of the core, andbecause there are a minimum of interstices between the elements, thedifliculties above referred to are overcome. It will thus be seen that Ihave provided a thoroughly practical and efllcient construction in whichthe several objects hereinabove mentioned, as well as many others, areaccomplished.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the above inventionand asmany changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is tobe understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in theaccompanying drawing is to beinterpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

We claim:

1. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of elementsextending transversely of said band, hook-shaped edges formed on saidelements, said hook-shaped edges of each of said elements interlockingwith the hook-shaped edges of its adjacent elements, and a wrappingcovering said elements, said wrapping being the sole means to preventmovement of said elements transversely of said band with respect to eachother in both vertical and horizontal directions and thus to holdsecurely said elements in interlocked relationship.

2. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of elementsextending transversely of said band, hook-shaped edges formed on saidelements, said hook-shaped edges of each of said elements interlockingwith the hook-shaped edges of its adjacent elements, said hook-shapededges when in interlocked relationship having their interlockingportions extending longitudinally of said band, and a wrapping of metallic wire wrapped around said elements transversely of said band andcovering said elements, said wrapping being the sole means to preventmovement of said elements transversely of said band with respect to eachother in both vertical and horizontal directions and thus to holdsecurely said elements in interlocked relationship.

3. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of elements,each comprising a top wall and hook-shaped side walls, each of said sidewalls being interlocked with the side wall of an element having its topwall positioned on the opposite side of said band, said elements when ininterlocked relationship forming a core for said bracelet band, the endportions of said hook-shaped side walls extending longitudinally of saidband, and a wire wrapping completely covering said elements, said wireextending transversely of said band and interlocking with the edges ofsaid core, said wrapping being the sole means to prevent movement ofsaid elements transversely of said band with respect to each other inboth vertical and horizontal directions and thus to hold securely saidelements in interlocked relationship.

4. In bracelet hand construction, in combination, a series oftubular-shaped elements extending transversely of said band, eachcomprising a head portion, a neck portion, and a pair of legs, the legsof each element extending around the head of an adjacent element andinto its neck portion whereby said elements are interlocked together,and a metallic wrapping covering said elements. said wrapping being themeans toprevent movement of said elements transversely of said band withrespect to each other in both vertical and horizontal directions andthus to hold securely said elements in interlocked relationship.

5. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series oftubular-shaped elements, each comprising a head portion, a neck portion,and arpair .of legs, the legs of each element extending around the headof an adjacent element and into its neck portion whereby said elementsare interlocked together, and a wrapping of metallic wire extendingtransversely around said elements, each turn abutting against thepreceding turn, said wrapping holding the leg portions of each elementin interlocking relationship with an adjacent element.

6. In bracelet band construction, in combination, a series of elements,each comprising a top wall and hookshaped side walls, each of saidside-walls being interlocked with the side wall of an element having itstop wall positioned on the opposite side of said band, said elementswhen in interlocked relationship forming a core for said bracelet band,and a wrapping extending around said core, said wrapping being the solemeans to prevent movement of said elements transversely of said bandwith respect to each other in both vertical and horizontal directionsand thus to hold securely said elements in interlocked relationship.

EUGEN PRESTINARI.

EMIL HAEFFNER.

